Deputy Chief Counsel, Legislative and Government Affairs Job in District of Columbia, DC

Vacancy No. SES-LN-12736801-25 Department U.S. Secret Service
Salary $150,160.00 to $225,700.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/19/2025 Close Date 6/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
District of Columbia, DC


Summary

The U.S. Secret Service is seeking a dynamic, results driven Deputy Chief Counsel with a proven track record of legislative successes to serve as the primary legal advisor to the Chief Counsel on high-profile, sensitive, and complex legislative and regulatory initiatives.

To review terms found in this announcement click here.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This job opportunity announcement is open to all U.S. citizens.

Duties

As the Deputy Chief Counsel, you will serve as the principal advisor to the Chief Counsel and other U.S. Secret Service (USSS) senior officials on legislative and regulatory initiatives, as well as intergovernmental affairs. In this role, you will review and provide comments on major agency legislative and regulatory initiatives, as well as advise on matters regarding Congressional relations and interagency coordination. In consultation with the Chief Counsel, you will manage the agency's legislative review and oversight process, including drafting and review of legislative proposals and supporting documents. You will serve as a liaison with the Department of Homeland Security, oversight entities, such as the General Accountability Office and Office of Inspector Generals, and other government agencies, such as Office of Management and Budget, coordinating on legislative and regulatory matters.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Analyze legal issues presented by proposed legislation and legislative materials, including complex and often novel issues, and advise on their potential legal implications on the USSS's mission, authorities, and operations.
  • Conduct legal research on relevant topics, including administrative law, legislative processes, and regulations.
  • Foster, build, develop, and strengthen relationships with members of Congress and their staff regarding: the USSS's mission; statutory and legal responsibilities; proposed initiatives, fiscal and appropriations matters, including budgetary, finance, and salary issues.
  • Assist in the development of agency policy positions on pending legislation.
  • Draft or review legislative proposals or comments, as well as correspondence, to Members of Congress, Congressional committees, and their staff.
  • Update USSS leadership about and participate in preparations for congressional testimony and briefings.
  • Provide legal counsel and advice on rulemaking actions proposed by other agencies.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
If selected for this position, you will be required to:
  • Obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required. Maintain a TS/SCI clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster page.
  • Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.
  • Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
  • Submit an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure report.
  • The person selected for this position may be subject to a two-year trial period.

Qualifications

To be considered qualified for this position applicants you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which applying.

You must demonstrate that you meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
A. A first professional law degree (Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.)) obtained from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association at the time the degree was obtained.
AND
B. Be an active member in good standing of the bar of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. (Note: Supporting documentation must be included with the application package).

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING SPECIALIZED AND MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Specialized Experience: The applicant must have specialized experience that is equivalent to the GS-15 grade level or above, which provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience is typically in or related to the work of the position as described in the Major Duties section listed above. Such experience may include:
  • Serving as a legal subject matter expert in legislative and intergovernmental affairs, provides authoritative legal analysis that materially influences an agency/organizations statutory posture, regulatory obligations, and interagency policy positions.
  • Making recommendations on various strategies, techniques, and technical requirements needed to achieve established goals.
  • Serving as the directorate or agency representative to department or intergovernmental forums concerning legal initiatives related to legislative and intergovernmental affairs.
  • Presenting completed studies and findings in a balanced, clear, and meaningful manner. Preparing analyses and comparisons of alternative methods of achieving program and policy objectives; and informing senior executive leadership on a variety of complex issues that may require changes in statute and/or policy.
  • Demonstrated experience managing and analyzing complex legal issues and questions.
  • Superior oral and written communication skills.
  • Outstanding legal research and analysis skills, including the ability to effectively integrate and synthesize facts and law to make legally sound decisions, including in compressed timeframes.
(2) MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQ): Note: FAILURE TO ADDRESS THESE FACTORS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING DISQUALIFIED. A supplemental statement must be submitted separately addressing each MTQ. Your MTQs must provide specific examples that address relevant experience and accomplishments. Applicants must reflect superior technical qualifications demonstrated through leadership and management in the following:

MTQ-1: Comprehensive knowledge and extensive executive level experience interpreting laws and providing legal advice concerning congressional and oversight entity response and compliance; and legislative and policy drafting and review.

MTQ-2: Demonstrated experience providing expert advice to senior Congressional and Executive Branch management officials regarding legal and legislative matters of substantial impact, sensitivity, and complexity, communicating clearly and concisely, and working within a fast-paced organization.

MTQ-3: Expertise preparing and making policy recommendations and making presentations before Congressional and Executive Branch high-level officials.

Time-in-grade requirements do not apply to SL positions, so applicants do not need to have spent a certain period of time at the GS-15 or equivalent level.

Qualifications Must Be Met: The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Desired Qualification:
  • At least seven to ten years of specialized legislative and management experience working for the U.S. Congress is preferred.
Important: Refer to the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement for page length and other formatting specifications. Documents that do not adhere to the specified requirements may be disqualified. We recommend uploading your documents in PDF format to preserve formatting and ensure conformance with specifications. Failure to submit any of the required documents as stated will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Unofficial transcripts must include your name, name of educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grades, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected for the position.

Additional information

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

This position will require a credit check after initial job qualifications have been determined.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to Equal.Opportunity@usss.dhs.gov.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on the information you provide. Verification of performance, suitability, and security information from reference checks will be taken into consideration when making an offer of employment.

This announcement is being filled using the Schedule A Hiring Authority 5 CFR 213.3102 (D) under Excepted Service procedures. Applicants who meet the qualifications for the position and submit a resume, Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and law school transcript will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Your application will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel, and highly qualified candidates may undergo an interview and reference checks. The Secret Service Executive Resources Board will review results and make recommendations on final selection to the appointing authority.

Interview Requirement: Multiple interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview(s) may result in removal from further consideration.

To preview questions please click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12736801

If selected this announcement confers a permanent appointment in the excepted service and will be filled on a full-time permanent basis. Employees hired under an Excepted Service appointment are required to serve a two (2) year trial period, unless already completed. Upon successful completion of the required trial period, this position will be permanent. This position does not confer non-competitive conversion to the competitive service. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service.

Required Documents

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR THE APPLICATION PACKAGE: To receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the documents in the format as designated. Packages that do not include the required documents will not be forwarded for consideration.

The Qualifications Documents: All documents must be scanned and uploaded with your application no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

1. RESUME - Required for all applicants
When uploading your resume, select the Supporting Document Type labeled "Resume." Your resume must not exceed 5-pages, with 1-inch margins and a font no smaller than 12 points. Do not use borders, provide photos, or list a Social Security Number. Your resume should include:

  • Your full name, email and mailing address, and day/evening telephone numbers.
  • Educational information, including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received.
  • Information about your paid and non-paid work experience related to this position including:
    • Job title (including series and grade if Federal job)
    • Duties/accomplishments
    • Employer's name and address
    • Supervisor's name/phone numbers
    • Employment start/end dates (month and year)
    • Salary
    • Honors, awards, and special accomplishments
2. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQ) - Required for all applicants
Please upload your MTQs as one document. Select the Supporting Document Type labeled "Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)." Your MTQ responses must not exceed 2-pages per MTQ, with 1-inch margins and a font no smaller than 12 points.
  • You must submit a narrative response for each MTQ listed in the Qualifications section of this vacancy announcement.
  • Address each MTQ separately, providing specific examples of the applicable technical competencies.
3. Transcript:The position has an education requirement (as explained in the Education section), therefore, based on your qualifications, you MUST submit a copy of your law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable). Your transcript must show school name, student's name, credits earned, Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree, and date awarded. Your legal education must have been obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the American Bar Association. When uploading your transcript, select the Supporting Document Type labeled "Transcript."

4. Bar Membership/Certificate of Good Standing: Submit a copy of your bar license, certificate of good standing, or other documentary evidence to prove that you are an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. When uploading your bar certification, select the Supporting Document Type labeled "Other - Bar Membership" then name the document "Bar Membership."

5. Current or former Federal civilian employees, please include your most recent SF-50: Notification of Personnel Action, which shows series, grade, tenure (Box 24) and position occupied (Box 34). When uploading your SF-50, select the Supporting Document Type labeled "SF-50/Notification of Personnel Action."

6. Are you a Veteran? There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the United States Secret Service considers veteran's preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent). If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. Click here for more veterans' information.

Do not submit any additional documents. Unsolicited documents will not be considered.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To Apply Online:

  • To begin, click the "Apply" button to create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and other supporting documents.
  • You will be automatically routed to the USA Staffing application to complete the application process.
  • Click "Submit Application" in USA Staffing to submit your application package.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete:
  • Log into your USAJOBS account and select the "Application" tab.
  • Select the "Track this application" link for this position. You will automatically be routed to USA Staffing dashboard showing the status of your application, documentation received and processed.
  • (Note: Uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.)
Note: ONLY ONE APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED PER INDIVIDUAL; MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS WILL DISQUALIFY THE APPLICANT.

See the Required Documents section for specific document information. All required and supporting documents for this announcement must be received online via the USAJOBS/USA Staffing application system by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit a complete application will eliminate an applicant from further consideration.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Executive Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, we will not be able to view it in your application.

Our evaluation will be based on the information you provide. We may also verify performance, suitability, and security information from reference checks and take that information into account in making selections.

The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.

If you have questions pertaining to your application, you may contact Executive Resources at SESSUPPORT@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling 202-360-5070 (excluding weekends and Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. Applicants must contact the Agency Point of Contact no later than 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the announcement if assistance is needed when submitting an application.

Agency contact information

SES Support
Address
United States Secret Service
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20223
US

Next steps

You may check the status of your application for this position by logging into USAJOBS. Click on the "My USAJOBS" tab, enter your user id and password, and click on "My Applications." You will also receive an email notification regarding your application status.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements